About This Role:

The Biosecurity Research Institute (BRI) is seeking a Biosecurity Facility Technician. This position is specialized and dedicated to the BRI. This position performs in a preventive, predictive, and responsive manner to address sensitive infrastructure systems and equipment operations.

Why Join Us:

The Biosecurity Research Institute (BRI) at Pat Roberts Hall on the Kansas State University Manhattan campus is a unique biocontainment research and education facility.

The BRI supports comprehensive multidisciplinary research, education and training programs that address threats to plant, animal, and human health, including food-borne pathogens.  Home to 113,000 square feet of laboratory, education, and administrative space, this BSL-3, ABSL-3 and BSL3-Ag facility offers a diverse range of research and education opportunities.

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion. The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others. The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.

The Successful Candidate will:

Operates, maintains, and monitors industrial building systems, components, and subcomponents critical to biocontainment performance and function.

Examples include Infectious liquid and solid waste treatment systems, High pressure steam generating boilers (90-100 lbs., 6boilers at 6 million BTU's each), supply and exhaust air handling equipment (fans, drives and belts), dual redundant water pumping stations, bio-seal doors, on-site chiller systems (3 units at 400Teach), 2000 kW stand-by power generator, overhead crane rail, freezers, coolers, backflow prevention, etc.

Assist with construction and set-up/take-down of specialized biocontainment penning and gating.

Participate in scheduled preventive maintenance on critical biocontainment systems.

Industrial Repair - Rebuilding/ Replacement of specialized pumps, bearings, etc. related to various industrial equipment and systems. Repair and maintenance of service equipment related to the maintenance of BRI. Hot and cold-water coils, airflow dampers, etc.

Centralized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) -Administratively interfaces with (approach and software) to generate work tasks, work orders, and facility operational data. Accurate inputs are critical.

Collect data and information to prepare operational status reports and contribute to strategic planning for facility operations.

Actively participate within operational and preventative maintenance programs to coincide with biocontainment requirements, occupational health and safety, environmental regulations, and operational procedures.

Implement a replacement parts methodology and establish and maintain inventory of parts and equipment.

Documentation of parts and materials, time, and materials as required for programmed and planned maintenance.

Complete logs related to Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan requirements of above ground fuel storage and complete generator log information for meeting EPA requirements.

Log boiler water chemistry test results

This position is required to provide response to the facility system emergencies as needed and may occur day or night 7 days a week.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires an high school diploma.
• One year of relevant experience. This position may use an educational equivalency as determined relevant by a hiring manager.
  • Learn more about K-State's education equivalency here

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working in high performance facilities (biocontainment, nuclear, hospital, research, etc.)
• Experience using computer-based maintenance management systems
• Industrial Boiler or Chiller or HVAC operations experience/certificates
• Electrical or electronics experience
• Specialized coatings experience
• Relevant training certificates in facility trades
• Experience reading technical specifications and requirements for performing preventive maintenance activities
• Ability to pursue block mechanical license

• Experience in building industrial mechanical trades; electrical, electronics, plumbing, power plant operations, boiler operations, HVAC, electronic/pneumatic control troubleshooting and repair and general maintenance experience.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to participate in rotating after hours on-call if/when necessary.
• Consent to and pass an initial basic criminal background check -refreshed every 3 years (condition of employment).
• Submit application for Security Risk Assessment approval through Department of Justice for Select Agent Program (condition of employment).
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Ability to participate in rotating after hours on-call if/when necessary. The work duties occur in all areas of the facility (mechanical areas, bio-containment laboratories, animal rooms, electrical rooms, outdoor environments, offices, and conference spaces. Hazards include but not limited to chemicals, biological(infectious) material, hot and cold weather temperatures, electrical shock, working at heights with fall hazards, physical injury from tools and equipment, noise, eye hazards, etc.

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents:

1. Resume
2. Online Application
3. Three professional references

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range:

$25.00 -- $27.00 per hour

Salary will be determined based on the candidate's experience, education, internal equity, and departmental funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.